Perry Keith Ryburn

Perry Keith Ryburn began breathing the air of heaven on Monday night, February 9, 2015 after a peaceful passage from this life while surrounded by his loving family. Perry was born to P.K. and Gladys (McDaniels) Ryburn in Anadarko on November 20, 1953. He graduated from Binger High School and Sooner Trade School as a licensed refrigeration and electronics specialist, working for Drabek and Hill for almost a year before coming back to his home town to work for Caddo Electric Cooperative, where he met the love of his life, Lana. They celebrated 41 years together on July 20. When Caddo Electric discontinued the in home electrical and appliance repair program, Perry transferred to Anadarko as a District Lineman, working with Gilbert Barrow. Then in 1977, Lana & Perry had the opportunity to open the first Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Anadarko, which was located where Subway is now. They worked the store as a team until Lana decided their marriage might be more successful if she found another boss, so she went to work for the Fort Cobb Reservoir Master Conservancy District in 1979 and did the books at night. Perry was very much a people person and found it easy to turn strangers into lifelong friends. He had a unique sense of humor and showered his friends and family with an abundance of love and laughter.
Perry thrived in the sales field and utilized his appliance repair and refrigeration skills on weekends and after hours. He worked tirelessly to provide for their three young sons. They sold the Catalog Store in late 1980 and bought their first rental properties. Perry then bought out a water pump business and later expanded to water systems for cities and rural water districts. All three boys worked with him during the summers and gained practical knowledge along with a valuable work ethic. In addition to the water service, he also owned Great Plains Glass and two dry cleaning businesses all at the same time and yes, Lana kept her day job and did the books at night. He later sold the other businesses and pursued the water construction business until his health began to decline in 2011. By then his oldest Son, Shannon had returned home to take over the business. Lana retired in 2013 to care for Perry and they were able to take several trips before his condition prohibited travel. They continued to maintain rental properties throughout the years, building a total of 5 duplexes in addition to their home.
Perry surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 17 and was a strong spiritual leader for his family. He and Lana were charter members of Square Top Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon at the age of 30, taught Sunday School with Lana and worked with senior adult ministry. After moving from south of Washita into town in 1990, they became active members of the First Baptist Church where he continued to serve as Deacon and work with senior adults. He chaired and served on numerous committees and was best known by the children as "the candy man".
After their first grandson was born, Perry became affectionately known as "Poppy". As his health declined, he often found himself in precarious situations while trying to work his cattle or accomplish some task around their property west of the airport, so when Lana had to be away from the house, she would designate a friend or family member to be on "Poppy Watch". The night of his passing, a friend reminded Lana she needn't worry anymore, since God is now on "Poppy Watch".
Perry is survived by his wife, Lana, sons, Shannon and his wife Pam of Anadarko, twins, Aaron and his wife Jennifer, and Adam and his wife Maranda all of Yukon. Four grandchildren; Addison Keith, Madalyn Kay, Nicholas Keith, and Noel Loraine all of Yukon. He is also survived by two wonderful sisters, Joy Kelley and her husband Don of Tuttle, and Brenda Ford and her husband Lloyd of Fort Worth. A dear sister-in-law, Renee Ryburn of Eakly, and brother-in-law, Wayne Smith of Bethany and longtime business partner, Rick Stevens of Gracemont.
Proceeding him in death are his parents, one brother, Dennis, and one sister, Bonnie along with his wife's parents, Kay and Loraine Smith.
Funeral Service: 2:00p.m., Friday, February 13, 2015 at the First Baptist Church, Anadarko, OK
Burial will follow at Memory Lane Cemetery, Anadarko, OK
Under the direction of Steverson Funeral Home, Anadarko, OK

Family will greet relatives and friends from 5pm-7pm Thursday, at Steverson Funeral Home.